Assignment Task:
The Outsized Influence of Swing States in Determining National Elections
1. Why do you think the number of true "swing states" has diminished in recent elections?
2. What factors, such as geographic sorting, partisan gerrymandering, and the Electoral College system, have contributed to this trend?
3. How does the outsized influence of swing states impact the campaign strategies and policy priorities of presidential and congressional candidates?
4. Do you think this dynamic is healthy for American democracy?
5. What are the potential risks and drawbacks of having such a small number of states determine the outcome of national elections?
6. Could it lead to a further entrenchment of partisan divides or a neglect of the interests of non-swing state voters?
7. What reforms, if any, do you think could help address the disproportionate influence of swing states?
8. Should we consider changes to the Electoral College, the primary system, or other aspects of the electoral process?